Abraham Lincoln

Perusing some Lincoln quotes, I came upon these which seem apropos for our times. Seems to me that George W. Bush is a proper heir of Mr. Lincoln's party.


"I have not permitted myself, gentlemen, to conclude that I am the best man in the country; but I am reminded, in this connection, of a story of an old Dutch farmer who remarked to a companion once that 'it was not best to swap horses while crossing streams'."

Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it."

"Property is the fruit of labor...property is desirable...is a positive good in the world. That some should be rich shows that others may become rich, and hence is just encouragement to industry and enterprise. Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another; but let him labor diligently and build one for himself, thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence when built."

Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser - in fees, expenses, and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough."

"What is conservatism? Is it not adherence to the old and tried, against the new and untried?"